Wrap around garment with pockets

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a garment with pockets may be provided for wearing around the waist when additional carrying space is needed. In some embodiments, the garment may be shaped similar to a long sleeve shirt, sweater, or the like, and may be tied around the waist. In some embodiments, the garment may have one or more layers. Further, the garment may have pockets, which are accessible when wearing the garment. In some embodiments, the pockets may be positioned on the extensions and/or the main portion. The garment may include patch pockets or pockets between the one or more layers. Some embodiments of a garment may be reversible. In addition, the garment may come in different sizes. In an embodiment, the garment may have reflective or iridescent strips, and may display logos, numbers, and/or names.

RELATED APPLICATIONS/PATENTS & INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims priority to provisional U.S. application Ser.No. 61/099,189 filed Sep. 22, 2008, the contents of which are herebyexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

Each of the applications and patents cited in this text, as well as eachdocument or reference cited in each of the applications and patents(including during the prosecution of each issued patent; “applicationcited documents”), and each of the PCT and foreign applications orpatents corresponding to and/or claiming priority from any of theseapplications and patents, and each of the documents cited or referencedin each of the application cited documents, are hereby expresslyincorporated herein by reference. More generally, documents orreferences are cited in this text, either in a Reference List before theclaims, or in the text itself; and, each of these documents orreferences (“herein cited references”), as well as each document orreference cited in each of the herein-cited references (including anymanufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.), is hereby expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of apparel and accessories,specifically those designed to provide storage capabilities as well asdesirable aesthetics and versatility.

BACKGROUND

Design of apparel typically includes the addition of functional featuressuch as pockets, straps, etc. for use by the wearer, for example, toprovide storage capabilities. However, such functional features can bedetrimental to the aesthetics of garments, i.e., by creating lines,bumps, or silhouettes that are undesirable.

Alternatively, the use of handbags, purses, satchels, backpacks, etc.,allows the user to carry and/or store personal effects. However, the useof such items is not always practical or desirable, for example, due tothe strain placed on the back and shoulders when using such items.

It is a goal of the present invention to provide a wearable, non-bulkygarment that provides additional storage items for personal belongingswithout requiring the wearing of a full additional layer of clothing.

Numerous articles of apparel, including for use as protective garmentsor athletic sportswear are described in the patent literature.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D557,967 relates to an ornamental design for a bodytowel wrap having pockets. However, such an accessory is not practicalfor everyday use in public.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D478,408 pertains to an ornamental design for acoverall cover-up. The coverall coverup is meant to be tied around theuser's waist, and functions only to cover the user's buttocks.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D542,007 relates to an ornamental design for awrap. The wrap consists of a blanket-like structure having pockets, inwhich the user can be wrapped.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,362 relates to a waist-engaging garment, whichcombines a protective seat cushion with article-carrying capacity foractive users, specifically skiers.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,829 relates to a covering device to be used byskiers for protection against snow and moisture that has accumulated onthe seat of a chair lift. The device comprises a waterproof pad thathangs from the rear of a belt secured about the skier's waist. The padis rolled up to the belt for storage between periods of use and is heldin the stored position by elastic loops slipped over the ends of theroll.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,859 pertains to a supplementary clothing articlesuitable for outdoor use. The supplementary clothing article provides aninsulated area between a user and a substrate surface, such as a coldsurface. The article is adapted to be worn about a user's torso in afolded condition when not in use, and to be unfolded for use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,634 relates to a belt-like garment containing afoldable seat protector or cover, and combined with an integral pouchfor carrying personal items and the like. A pair of straps project fromopposite ends of a pouch for use in securing the pouch around a person'swaist with an elongate opening in the pouch positioned above theperson's seat. The opening is releasably closed by two separate (innerand outer) zippers. An elongate panel or sheet of flexible, waterproofmaterial is secured at one end of one edge of the pouch opening toextend downwardly out of one (the outer) zipper into an operativeposition beneath one's seat, where it can be secured in place by twoother straps, which fasten around one's legs. At such time the other orinner zipper may be closed to retain personal items, (comb, sunblocklotion, etc.) in the pouch.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,386 pertains to a pleated tennis skirt with a hiddenpocket. The pocket is hidden within a pleated, partially tacked downportion of the pleat. The skirt therefore provides a hidden pocket,which can hold keys, tennis balls, and other items, without distractingfrom the continuous pleated look.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,056 relates to a reflective safety garment in theform of an apron to be worn around a person's waist is provided. Theapron includes a sheet of mesh material with an upper pocketaccommodating a waistband that attached the apron around the waist and alower pocket that accommodates a strip of brightly colored reflectivematerial.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,562 pertains to a shawl type garment that simulatesa sweater worn as a shawl or mantle and includes a main body panel and apair of ties that simulate sweater arms.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,391 relates to a wrap around article capable ofbeing worn by a user engaged in outdoor pursuits including a main bodyhaving top, side and bottom edges defining a substantially square shapedconfiguration, and which is constructed of a durable and waterproofmaterial such as neoprene with an interior cushioning foam material.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,617 pertains to a non-bunching sweater wrap forwearing by a person over the person's outer clothes that drapes over theupper back and shoulders around the neck of the person to simulate asweater.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0006360 relates to a sportsweargarment, which is wrapped around one's waist after or during an athleticactivity and provides comfort to the wearer. The sportswear garment,which is essentially T-shaped, provides at least one safe-keeping pocketon its exterior. The garment has an outer surface made of a protectivesitting surface and/or an upper surface if the users wished to lie down.

Thus, it is a problem unaddressed by the prior art that many peopleengage in activities where extra storage is convenient and desirable,but additional clothing and/or baggage is not. For example, activitiessuch as rollerblading, jogging or walking, pushing a stroller, walking adog, taking children to a playground, doing laundry, shopping, going toschool or college, going to a gym, and going out to restaurants, bars ordance clubs, are instances where storage capabilities are desirable, buthaving to carry additional storage items or bulky clothing is not. Forthose who engage in such activities, fashionable, convenient andcomfortable attire that could provide easily accessible storage forbelongings and personal items, such as keys and sunglasses is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment a garment is provided that can be easily andcomfortably wrapped around one's body and has a number of pockets forstorage of one's personal items. For example, the garment may, in someembodiments, be wrapped around one's waist. An embodiment of the garmentmay simulate a sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, wrap, other upper bodygarment and/or a sarong when tied around a person's waist. The garmentmay provide a number of pockets convenient for storing personal items.In some embodiments, the garment may be used to display decorative,college or corporate logos. Further, the garment may be worn duringdaily and/or recreational activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the garment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the garment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the interior of garment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the exterior of garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is given by way of illustration only and shallnot be taken as being in any way limiting as to the spirit or scope ofthe invention. Referring to the drawings, like numerals designatecorresponding parts where possible throughout the several figures.

Herein described is an embodiment of a garment, which may simulate asweater, sweatshirt, jacket, wrap, other upper body garment, and/or asarong when tied around a person's waist. The garment may provide anumber of pockets convenient for storing personal items including, butnot limited to keys, money, credit cards, electronic devices such asportable media players (e.g., MP3 players, iPods, or the like), portablemedical devices (e.g., diabetes pumps, hearing aids and/or accessories,or the like), cameras, phones, handheld computers, personal digitalassistants, GPS navigators, sunglasses or any other item placed inpockets traditionally. In some embodiments, the garment may be used todisplay decorative, college or corporate logos. Further, the garment maybe worn during daily and/or recreational activities.

In an embodiment, a garment can create the casual look of a draped ortied sweater, sweatshirt, jacket or the like without being as bulky asthese items. Some embodiments include easily accessible storage forpersonal items. Thus, the garment may be worn as a fashion accessory tocomplement or complete a wearer's apparel. In some embodiments, wearingthe garment may allow the user to avoid having to carry a separate bagor other item in which to store personal items.

The garment may be made of any fabric, including but not limited towoven fabrics, knit fabrics, denim, suede, leather, microfabrics,materials such as cotton, terry cloth, synthetic fabrics, mixtures ofcotton with other natural or synthetic fibers, and the like, orcombinations of multiple fabrics. Some embodiments may include a singlelayer of fabric. In an embodiment, the garment may be made from multiplelayers of fabric. Some embodiments may include multiple panels of fabriccoupled together to create a layer.

In some embodiments, the garment may include decorative elementsincluding decorative patterns, embroidery, embellishments, patches,reflective elements, light emitting elements, or other elements,including indicia designating the brand or manufacturer, or intended topromote or advertise an organization, event, or similar item. In someembodiments, the garment may be reversible. For example, someembodiments may include a first color or design on a first side of agarment and a second color or design on a second side of the garment.Thus, when the garment is reversed a different color or design may bepresented.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of garment 10. Garment 10 includes extensions12 on each side of a rectangular main portion 14. Extensions 12 and mainportion 14 create a T shaped article. Extensions 12 may be wrappedaround a person's waist. When wrapped around a person's waist theextensions 12 may be tied together, much like the arms of a sweater,sweatshirt, jacket or the like. In some embodiments, the extensions maybe constructed such that the extensions resemble arms on a sweater,sweatshirt, jacket, or the like. For example, the extensions mayinclude, but are not limited to elements such as ribbing, cuffs,beading, buttons, designs, trim or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, mainportion 14 may cover a person's buttocks and/or thighs. The garment maybe made in many different sizes. In another embodiment, extensions 12may be wrapped around a person's shoulders.

In some embodiments, the extensions may include one or more fasteningdevices, including, but not limited to hook and loop fasteners (such asVELCRO™), zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frogclosures, hooks and loops, hook and eyes, any other fastening devicesknown in the art, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment, which is a cross-section of FIG. 1 takenthrough line A-A′, where garment 10 includes at least two layers, innerlayer 16 and outer layer 17. The two layers may be fabricated from awide variety of materials, including but not limited to fabric, such aswoven fabric or knit fabric, denim, suede, leather, microfabric, cotton,terry cloth, synthetic fabrics, mixtures of cotton with other natural orsynthetic fibers, other materials known in the art, and/or combinationsthereof. In an embodiment, the inner layer and/or outer layer may bewaterproof. Some embodiments may include a third layer which iswaterproof, positioned between the inner and outer layers. An embodimentmay include reflective or iridescent strips, logos, numbers, or namespositioned on a layer of the garment. For example, an outer layer mayinclude reflective or iridescent strips, logos, numbers, and/or names.

In some embodiments, inner layer and/or outer layer may be constructedfrom multiple pieces of fabric. For example, FIG. 3 shows pieces 22, 24,26 sewn together to form inner layer 16. As shown, pieces 22, 24, 26,may be coupled together using seams 28 to form inner layer 16. In someembodiments, pieces of fabric forming an inner and/or outer layer may bejoined using any coupling mechanism known in the art including, but notlimited to adhesives, glue, sealers, sealants, tape, bands, welds,staples, seams, such as, plain seams, French seams, butt seams, boundseams, flat seams, superimposed seams, lapped seams, any other seamsknown in the art, and/or any mechanism known in the art. In anembodiment utilizing seams the stitches used in the seams may includeany stitches known in the art, for example, hidden stitches,cross-stitches, chain stitches, back-stitched chain stitches, braidstitches, cable chain stitches, knotted chain stitches, open chainstitches, petal chain stitches, rosette chain stitches, singalese chainstitches, twisted chain stitches, wheat-ear stitches, zig-zag chainstitches, backstitches, blanket stitches, embroidery stitches,lockstitches, running stitches, sashiko stitches, tack stitches,overlock stitches, and/or combinations thereof.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of inner layer 16 showing extensions 12, mainportion 14, loop 15, pocket 18, and label 30. The loop may be used forhanging up the garment, for example, in a closet or restroom. In someembodiments, the labels may include a logo.

In some embodiments, pockets may be positioned along an edge of thegarment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, pocket 18 may be positionedalong a seam of the garment where the inner layer and outer layer arecoupled. In some embodiments, the pocket may be opened and/or closedusing fastening devices, including, but not limited to zippers, buttons,snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frog closures, hooks and loops (e.g.,VELCRO™), hook and eyes, any fastening devices known in the art orcombinations thereof. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, pocket 18 mayinclude zipper 32. In some embodiments, a hidden pocket may bepositioned on the inner layer of the garment. In an embodiment, one ormore hidden pockets may be positioned on an outer layer of the garment.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of outer layer 17 or outer side ofgarment 10 showing extensions 12, main portion 14, and pockets 18. Asshown in FIG. 4, some embodiments of garment 10 may include pockets 18positioned on main portion 14. In an embodiment, pockets may bepositioned on the main portion so as to be accessible by the wearer whenthe garment is worn. As shown in FIG. 4, openings 34 may include zippers32.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of outer layer 17 or outer side of garment 10showing extensions 12, main portion 14, pockets, and loop 15 for hangingup the garment in a closet or restroom. The garment may include at leastone pocket 18. In some embodiments, pockets may be located on mainportion 14 so as to be accessible by the wearer when garment 10 is wornaround the waist. When garment 10 is worn, pockets 18 are located suchthat the user has access to the pockets while the garment is still beingworn. In an embodiment of garment 10, extensions 12 may be tubular andmay include pockets 19. The pockets on the extensions may be locatedwhere the material comprising the inside layer and outside layer meet.

In some embodiments, openings to the pockets may be positioned on theinner layer and/or outer layer of the garment. Pocket designs mayinclude, but are not limited to patch pockets, flap pockets, weltedpockets, jetted pockets, fob pockets, slant side pockets, crescentshaped pockets, side seam pockets, other types of pockets known in theart and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, pockets may bedesigned for specific uses, for example, to hold personal itemsincluding, but not limited to keys, money, credit cards, electronicdevices such as portable media players (e.g., MP3 players, iPods, or thelike), portable medical devices (e.g., diabetes pumps, hearing aidsand/or accessories, or the like), cameras, phones, handheld computers,personal digital assistants, GPS navigators, and sunglasses.

Pockets may be defined by coupled portions 36. In some embodiments,pockets are defined by an opening in the inner layer and/or outer layerand coupled portions where the inner layer is coupled to a portion ofthe outer layer to form a pocket. For example, as is shown in FIG. 5,seams may be used to define pocket 19. Opening 34 may be positionedalong an edge of pocket 19. An embodiment may include openings 34, 34′along pocket 19. In some embodiments, seams may couple the inner layerto the outer layer of the garment to define the pocket.

In some embodiments, the pockets may be positioned on the inside or theoutside of the garment. For example, pockets may have openings on theinner layer, the outer layer or both. In some embodiments, a pocketlocated on an extension may be useful for holding sunglasses. In anembodiment, pockets on the extensions may be useful in holdingelectronic devices. Pockets may include one or more fastening devices,including, but not limited to zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles,magnets, frog closures, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™), hookand eyes, any fastening devices known in the art or combinationsthereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, loop 15 may be located in the center of main portion14 allowing pockets 18, 19 to be accessible when garment 10 is hangingand hidden when garment 10 is worn.

In another embodiment, the garment may include one layer. For example, agarment may be made of a single layer of fabric. In some embodiments,the garment will have an interior side of the garment corresponding tothe inner layer 16 and an exterior side of the garment corresponding tothe outer layer 17 as shown in FIG. 5. Such a single layer garment canbe reversible in some embodiments.

In an embodiment, the garment may be reversible. A reversible garmentmay include an inner side and an outer side that are functionally thesame in some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, some embodimentsinclude pockets 18, 19 accessible from both sides. In some embodiments,the material of both sides of the garment may or may not be the same.The color of each side may be different of the garment. For example,when the garment is reversible a first color may be used on a first sideand a second color on a second side. In some embodiments, each side ofthe garment may include multiple colors, multiple materials, and/ordesigns. The garment may be made in many different sizes.

FIG. 6 depicts garment 10 of this invention wherein outer main portion14 can also contain additional pockets 20.

Pockets 18, 19, 20 may be accessed by an opening, which is closed usingany fastening device previously disclosed. For example, the interior ofpockets may be accessed using a zipper, hook and loop fasteners (e.g.,VELCRO™), magnetic closure, other sealing means positioned across theopening.

In some embodiments, the color of the material on the inside of pockets18, 19, 20 (shown in FIG. 6) may be different than the color of thematerial of the garment's inside and/or outside, which would indicate,if the pocket is open. For example, in one embodiment the inside ofmultiple pockets may be a first color, which differs from all othercolors used on the garment. Thus, it becomes evident when a pocket isleft open. In such embodiments, the pocket color serves as an indicatorof an open pocket. In some embodiments, the colors used on the interiorof the pockets may vary from pocket to pocket. In some embodiments,pockets 18, 19, 20 may be accessible from both sides of garment 10through an opening.

In an embodiment, pockets may be water resistant or water proof. Forexample, a pocket with an opening in the inner layer may be waterresistant. Materials used to construct the pocket may be water-resistantor water-proof. In some embodiments, a water-resistant or waterproofpocket may be accessed from the interior surface, the exterior surfaceor both surfaces. In some embodiments, a pocket may be constructed fromlayers of material positioned between an inner layer and an outer layerof the garment. Some embodiments including a single layer garment mayinclude a layer of fabric coupled to the garment which defines a pocket.

In some embodiments, when the garment is worn the pockets may bepositioned such that they are located proximate a position correspondingto a traditional pocket location on an article of clothing. For example,FIGS. 7-8 depict pockets positioned such that when the garment is wornaround a person's waist the pockets will be positioned proximate atraditional pocket location on a pair of pants. In some embodiments, thepocket may be positioned such that it corresponds to a traditionalpocket location on the front of the pants, the back of the pants or acombination of both. Alternately, some pockets of the garment may bepositioned proximate the traditional pocket location in a jacket whenthe garment is worn around the waist.

Although various illustrative implementations of the present inventionhave been described, one of ordinary skill in the art will see thatadditional implementations are also possible and within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to only thoseimplementations described above.

1. A garment configured to be worn, comprising: a main portion includingone or more layers; extensions from the main portion configured to wraparound a person; and one or more pockets on the main portion configuredto be accessible to the person when the garment is around the person;wherein at least one of the one or more pockets on the main portion ispositioned proximate a traditional pocket location when the garment istied around the person.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein thetraditional pocket location is on a front of a pair of pants.
 3. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the traditional pocket location is on afront of a jacket.
 4. The garment of claim 1, further comprising atleast one pocket on one or more of the extensions, wherein the at leastone pocket on the extensions is located at an end away from the mainportion.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more layers ofthe main portion comprises an inner and an outer layer, whereinextensions comprise at least an inner layer and an outer layer, andwherein the one or more pockets on the main portion are located on theouter layer of the main portion.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein thegarment is made of a single layer of fabric.
 7. The garment of claim 5,wherein the inner layers and outer layers of the main portion andextensions are made of the same fabric.
 8. The garment of claim 5,wherein the inner layers and outer layers of the main portion andextensions are made of different fabrics.
 9. The garment of claim 1,wherein the garment is reversible.
 10. The garment of claim 1, furthercomprising a loop for hanging the garment.
 11. The garment of claim 1,wherein the one or more pockets comprise a fastening means.
 12. Thegarment of claim 10, wherein the fastening means comprises hook and loopfasteners, zippers, buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, magnets, frogclosures, hook and eyes, or a combination thereof.
 13. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment comprises indicia, logos, or otherembellishments visible when worn by the wearer.
 14. A t-shaped garmentessentially shaped like a sweater, comprising: a main portion;extensions configured to wrap around a person's waist; and at least onepocket on the main portion configured to be accessible to the personwhen the garment is around the person's waist; wherein the at least onepocket on the main portion is positioned proximate a traditional pocketlocation on a pair of pants when the garment is tied around the person'swaist.
 15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the traditional pocketlocation proximate the at least one pocket on the main portion islocated on the front of the pants.
 16. The garment of claim 14, furthercomprising at least one pocket on one or more of the extensions, whereinthe pockets on the extensions are located at an end away from the mainportion.
 17. The garment of claim 14, wherein the main portion andextensions are made up of at least an inner layer and an outer layer,wherein the pockets on the main portion are located on the outer layer.18. The garment of claim 14, wherein the main portion and extensions aremade up of at least an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein thepockets on the main portion are located in the outer layer.
 19. Agarment to be worn, comprising: a main portion configured to be worn bya person; extensions from the main portion configured to wrap around aperson; and one or more pockets having an interior color that differsfrom a color of the garment such that open pockets are readilydistinguishable from closed pockets.
 20. The garment of claim 19,wherein at least one of the one or more pockets is configured to beaccessible to the person when the garment is around the person.
 21. Thegarment of claim 19, wherein the at least one of the one or more pocketsis configured to be positioned proximate a traditional pocket locationon a pair of pants when the garment is tied around the person's waist.